Fox injury could open lanes for Schofield
December, 21, 2009
12/21/09
10:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
The most notable personnel news item of the weekend didn't involve a Big Ten team, but a Big Ten bowl opponent.
Miami lost a big piece of its offense -- literally and figuratively -- for the Champs Sports Bowl as left tackle Jason Fox was ruled out after undergoing surgery on a "lower extremity." Fox, named the team's MVP, anchored an offensive line that helped Miami rank 27th nationally in both passing and scoring.
Without Fox to protect Jacory Harris' blind side, Miami could have its hands full with Wisconsin senior defensive end O'Brien Schofield. It's critical for the Badgers to pressure Harris in the bowl, and Schofield leads the pass rush. Michigan State and Purdue were the only two teams to keep Schofield from recording a tackle for loss this season. The senior is tied for second nationally with 22.5 TFLs.
Orlando Franklin will replace Fox on Dec. 29, and Miami has been pleased with his play thus far. But Schofield has the edge in both speed and experience, and he'll need to take advantage for the Badgers.
Miami lost a big piece of its offense -- literally and figuratively -- for the Champs Sports Bowl as left tackle Jason Fox was ruled out after undergoing surgery on a "lower extremity." Fox, named the team's MVP, anchored an offensive line that helped Miami rank 27th nationally in both passing and scoring.
Without Fox to protect Jacory Harris' blind side, Miami could have its hands full with Wisconsin senior defensive end O'Brien Schofield. It's critical for the Badgers to pressure Harris in the bowl, and Schofield leads the pass rush. Michigan State and Purdue were the only two teams to keep Schofield from recording a tackle for loss this season. The senior is tied for second nationally with 22.5 TFLs.
Orlando Franklin will replace Fox on Dec. 29, and Miami has been pleased with his play thus far. But Schofield has the edge in both speed and experience, and he'll need to take advantage for the Badgers.
Adam Rittenberg | email
College Football- ESPN.com Big Ten blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2008
- Wrote for Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald
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Adam Rittenberg
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